RAIL CORRIDOR PLANNING STUDY Executive Summary October 2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 Over the past 20 years, Downtown has experienced unprecedented population and employment growth. High growth is anticipated to continue to 2041. This is increasing demand for and pressure on existing parks, and there are limited lands available for new parks. Parkland, community amenities and infrastructure must keep pace to ensure Downtown remains a great place to live, work, learn, play, and invest. Downtown has great smaller parks, including the recently revitalized Berczy Park and . But large parks are an essential ingredient in this mix. Large parks serve regional, city-wide, as well as local functions, and provide space for events, civic gatherings and active and passive recreation, with benefits to residents, workers, students, and visitors. Large parks contribute to a high quality of life, physical and mental health and wellbeing, civic identity, economic development and tourism, and environmental sustainability.

2 RAIL CORRIDOR - PLANNING STUDY The lands along and adjacent to the Union Station Rail Corridor, from Bathurst Street to Blue Jays Way represent a generational opportunity to create a large park in the heart of Downtown, and realize provincial and municipal growth planning and city-building objectives.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 Background & Context

In response to rapid growth, in 2014, City Council In the fall of 2016, City Council endorsed a City Staff directed the City Planning Division to initiate a report to initiate planning for a significant new park comprehensive study of Downtown (known as the over the rail corridor, called “”. At TOcore Planning Downtown Study), to ensure growth this meeting, Council requested that City Planning positively contributes to Toronto’s Downtown. Division prepare an Official Plan Amendment to Through the TOcore Planning Downtown Study and provide a planning framework for a park use over the other related City studies and initiatives, the City has rail corridor. documented the need for additional parks and open spaces in Downtown, and in particular, a need for Urban Strategies was engaged by the City of Toronto’s large parks. City Planning division to undertake a comprehensive planning study to assess appropriate changes to The TOcore Downtown Study has identified the the planning framework. The planning study has lands along and adjacent to the Union Station Rail provided findings that support a proposed Official Corridor, from Bathurst Street to Blue Jays Way as a Plan Amendment (“the proposed OPA”) to guide the strategic location to create a large, centrally-located creation of a large-scale park over the rail corridor. signature park in Downtown. The Proposed Official Plan Amendment: Rail Deck Park Secondary Plan The proposed OPA will result in a new Rail Deck Park Secondary Plan for the lands within the rail corridor between Bathurst Street and Blue Jays Way and the existing Northern Linear Park and planned Mouth of the Creek Park (“the Subject Site”). The proposed OPA designates the lands for Park uses, while allowing for continued and expanded rail operations within the rail corridor.

Planning Process Timeline - Addressing a long-term need for parkland Spring 2014 Fall 2015 Spring 2016 Summer 2016 Fall 2016

STAFF REPORT ACTION REQUIRED TOcore: Planning Toronto's Downtown – Phase 1 DOWNTOWN Summary Report and Phase 2 Directions Date: October 23, 2015 PARKS To: Toronto and East York Community Council TOcore PHASE I BACKGROUND REPORT Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District & From: Director, Strategic Initiatives, Policy & Analysis, City Planning Division Wards: Ward Nos. 20, 27 and 28 Reference Number: File No. 14-146134 SPS 00 TM

SUMMARY This report provides an update on the findings of Phase 1 of TOcore: Planning Toronto’s Downtown and seeks City Council direction for Phase 2.

TOcore is a three-year, inter-divisional initiative, led by City Planning. The purpose of the Study is to ensure growth positively contributes to Toronto’s Downtown as a great place to live, work, learn, play and invest by determining: a) how and where future growth will be accommodated, shaped and managed and b) what physical and social infrastructure will be needed, where it should be located and how it will be secured.

The Study is a response to the rapid growth and intensification of Downtown that is placing pressure on finite hard and soft infrastructure assets. TOcore will result in a Secondary Plan for the Downtown that will provide policy direction to shape future growth and link that growth to the provision of needed infrastructure investments to achieve the city-building vision and policies of Toronto’s Official Plan. A series of

Staff report for action – TOcore: Planning Toronto's Downtown – Phase 1 Summary Report and Phase 2 Directions 1

MARCH 2016 PARKS, FORESTRY & RECREATION The TOcore The TOcore Phase EmergingDOWNTOWN PARKS PHASE I BACKGROUND REPORT priorities 1 Mayor Tory announces City Council endorses Downtown Toronto 1 Summary Report in the TOcore a vision for an the Rail Deck Park Trends, Issues, and identifies 4 “Big Background Report iconic new park in Work Plan and directs Intensification Report Moves” including include creative city- Downtown, known as staff to move forward identifies parkland delivering parkland in building ideas for “Rail Deck Park”. with the Planning acquisition as a key unlikely spaces such establishing new parks Framework Update priority in order to as the rail corridor and open spaces in and Implementation protect quality of life and the Gardiner the Downtown. Strategy. Downtown. Expressway.

4 RAIL CORRIDOR - PLANNING STUDY About the Planning Study

The Planning Study examines the site and surrounding urban context, the history of the Railway Lands Study Areas planning framework, population and employment The Planning Study considers the Subject Site within growth trends, parks and open space needs, and the following contextual study areas: the existing and emerging planning framework. The Planning Study builds on and incorporates the The Local Study Area bounded findings from related studies and ongoing planning by Queen Street West to the initiatives, including the TOcore Planning Downtown north, Dufferin Street to the west, Study, the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan, Yonge Street to the east and the City-wide Parkland Strategy, and Facilities Master Lake to the south; and Plan. The Downtown Study Area, The Planning Study provides a comprehensive which includes the Local Study planning analysis and opinion in support of the Area and the Downtown TOcore proposed OPA. It demonstrates that the proposed Study Area, generally bound by OPA, and the proposed Park land use designation the midtown rail corridor and represents the best and most appropriate land use Rosedale Valley Road to the for the Subject Site. The proposed OPA has regard north, the Don River to the east, for the Planning Act and matters of provincial interest, Lake Ontario to the south and is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, Bathurst Street to the west. conforms to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden The Planning Study also explores the Subject Site Horseshoe and advances the vision, objectives and within the wider regional context of the Greater policies of the Official Plan. The findings of the Golden Horseshoe (GGH). Planning Study conclude that a park use over the rail corridor is in the public interest and represents good planning.

Winter/Spring 2017 Summer 2017 Fall 2017

Planning Study

Draft Planning Planning Final Review & Study & Report Analysis OPA Planning Public Public Amendments and Meeting #1 Meeting #2 City Implementation Council Recommendations to City Council Engineering Financial Final Real Estate Partnership & Costing Strategy Report

Implementation Strategy The Implementation Strategy has been prepared separately by the City of Toronto’s Rail Deck Park interdivisional team. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5 About the Site

The Subject Site is located in the Railway Lands, in the heart of Downtown Toronto’s growing mixed- use neighbourhoods. The Railway Lands, and the adjacent King-Spadina, Fort York, Garrison Common and Central Waterfront neighbourhoods have experienced significant growth over the past 30 years, transforming from primarily industrial areas to vibrant urban neighbourhoods, with a mix of cultural, entertainment, commercial, office and other uses.

The Subject Site in the Downtown Context, view looking east

1 Rail Corridor Site

2 Mouth of the Creek Park 3 Northern Linear Park

Map of the Subject Site and Immediate Surrounding Context 6 RAIL CORRIDOR - PLANNING STUDY Summary of Existing Planning Framework

The Subject Site consists of the following areas: The Subject Site is subject to the Provincial Policy Statement (2014), the Growth Plan for the Greater Rail Corridor Site: the lands within the Union Golden Horseshoe (2017), and the City of Toronto 1 Station Rail Corridor and North Bathurst Storage Official Plan (2006). It is located within Downtown Yard extending from Blue Jays Way to Bathurst and the Central Waterfront, as identified in the City of Street, including a linear strip of land to the Toronto Official Plan (Map 2 – Urban Structure). The immediate south of the right-of- Subject Site currently carries the following land use way, 7.5 hectares; designations, as per Map 18 of the City of Toronto Official Plan: Northern Linear Park: a linear park that runs 2 along the southern portion of the rail corridor • Rail Corridor Site: Primarily designated as a Utility from Blue Jays Way to Queens Wharf Road; 0.8 Corridor; hectares; and • Northern Linear Park: Designated as a Park; Mouth of the Creek Park: A planned park 3 located to the immediate west of Northern • Mouth of the Creek Park: Designated as Mixed Linear Park and to the north of the Library Use Areas and a Park. District Condos and the Fort York Library (municipally known as 170 and 190 Fort York The Subject Site is currently subject to the Railway Boulevard); 0.5 hectares. Lands West and Central Secondary Plans, which were approved by the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) in The total site area is approximately 8.8 hectares. 1994, and amended in subsequent years. There is a 0.5 hectares site owned by Metrolinx at The Secondary Plans identify the Rail Corridor Site as the south-west corner of Front Street and Spadina a Future Development Area and Utility Corridor A, and Avenue. The Metrolinx site is not subject to the detail policies guiding comprehensive overbuilding proposed OPA, although nothing would preclude it over the rail corridor. The Secondary Plans require from being considered for parkland in the future. The comprehensive studies to evaluate various land use Metrolinx site is the planned location of the Spadina- and decking considerations with any application Front Regional Express Rail (RER) station, which will to amend the Secondary Plan. Development in the provide frequent regional transit service. Future Development Area/Utility Corridor A may only be permitted through an Official Plan Amendment. The Subject Site is subject to the Railway Lands West and Central Zoning By-law (By-laws No. 1994-0805 and By-law 1994-0806). The Rail Corridor Site is zoned as a Transportation zone, which permits transportation related infrastructure to a height of 15 metres. The Planning Study Report provides a review of the history of the Railway Lands planning framework, and analysis of the provincial and municipal planning framework.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 7 Analysis & Findings The Downtown and Local Study Areas have experienced exponential population and The Local Study Area and Downtown Study Areas employment growth since the 1990s. Both the have a dense concentration of people and jobs per Downtown Study Area and Local Study Area have hectare. There are 501 people and jobs per hectare experienced remarkable population growth since in the Local Study Area and 399 people and jobs per 1996, growing by 76% and 444% respectively. hectare in the Downtown Study Area. Based on the Meanwhile, the city as a whole grew by 11%. This population and employment projections, by 2041, trend is anticipated to continue to 2041. By 2041, this will increase to 729 people and jobs per hectare the population in the Downtown Study Area is in the Local Study Area and 629 people and jobs per anticipated to exceed over 500,000. hectare in the Downtown Study Area. Employment in the Downtown Study Area and Local The existing and projected population and Study Area has likewise grown exponentially since employment density significantly exceeds the Growth urban growth centres 1996, by 45% and 51% respectively. Employment in Plan targets for (400 people + major transit station areas these areas is anticipated to grow by 45% and 43% by jobs / hectare) and (150 - 2041. 200 people + jobs / hectare).

1996 2016 2041 Local 16,690 90,810 137,430 People + Study Area population population population Jobs per Hectare 160,250 243,290 347,810 employment employment employment

Local Study Area 2016: 2041: Downtown 501 729 Study Area 155,930 275,300 500,720 population population population Downtown Study Area 359,190 524,000 758,260 2016: 2041: employment employment employment 399 629

Sources: 1996 & 2016 - Population: Statistics Canada, census data; Employment: City of Toronto Employment Survey. 2041 - City of Toronto population and employment projections (Hemson Consulting Ltd.)

8 RAIL CORRIDOR - PLANNING STUDY Parkland provision per capita has not kept pace With high growth anticipated and limited sites with growth. With the significant rise in population for new parks, parkland provision will decline in and employment in recent years, no commensurate Downtown Study Area in the future. In order to increase in parkland has not followed suit. In the maintain the rate of 10.85 square metres of parkland Downtown Study Area, there are 10.85 square metres per resident in the Downtown Study Area, by the of parkland per resident, and in the Local Study year 2032, the City would need to acquire over 165 Area there are 10.41 square metres of parkland per hectares of additional parkland. This is approximately resident. This compares to the City-wide median of 28 equal to the size of . This magnitude of square metres of parkland per resident. parkland deficiency cannot be addressed through on-site parkland dedication or via cash-in-lieu contributions collected under Section 42 of the How much total park area is there per resident? Planning Act, without a suitable receptor site. To Downtown City-wide maintain the high quality of life in the Downtown Study Area Study Area, and provide an adequate and appropriate supply of parks and open spaces for future 10.85 m2 28 m2 generations, the City of Toronto must take proactive park / resident park / resident actions to plan for new parkland.

There is a particular need for large parks in the Downtown Study Area. Two-thirds of the parks in District + City Parks per Person (2016) the Downtown Study Area are less than a hectare in area. These spaces are increasingly strained by rapid There is a shortage of large parks in the Downtown Study Area, and particularly in the high growth areas in the Local Study Area. This map growth. The seven district parks in the Downtown illustrates how much district or city-wide parkland (all parks larger than 5 ha) Study Area (greater than five hectares) are primarily is available to the surrounding population within a 30 minute walk (or 3km) located on the perimeter of the Downtown Study catchment area. The provision of district parks per capita is expected to decline significantly with continued population growth. Area and associated with the Toronto ravine system, or have other institutional, civic and commemorative purposes, limiting opportunities for large-scale civic and recreational opportunities. Large Downtown parks go beyond serving the local community, and also provide valuable space for workers, students and visitors. As the Greater Golden Horseshoe region grows to a population of over 13 million people in 2041, there will be an increasing need for regionally significant parks and open spaces with event and gathering space, and recreational uses that are accessible by regional transit.

The Subject Site is an excellent location for a large, centrally-located contiguous park. The Downtown Study Area consists of a densely built-up area with very large limited undeveloped and unplanned sites. The Subject Site represents a distinct opportunity to create a large signature park in the Downtown. The size, scale and location of the Subject Site make it uniquely suitable for a signature large-scale park to serve the local community, residents and workers from across Toronto, and visitors from across the Greater Source: Parkland analysis prepared by: O2 Planning + Design Inc. for City of Golden Horseshoe region and beyond. Toronto as part of City-wide Parkland Strategy.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 9 Planning Issues & Opinions

Consideration of Other Land Uses The Planning Study Report provides a comprehensive review and assessment of the proposed OPA in the Non-residential and residential development is not context of the existing and emerging provincial and required in this location to address provincial and municipal policy framework. municipal growth planning policy objectives and support provincial investment in transit. The following summarizes the main planning issues and opinions in support of the proposed OPA. Within the context of high growth and development in the Railway Lands and adjacent areas, residential and/or non-residential development would not Land Use: Park reflect the most appropriate land use for the Subject Site. The proposed park use is the best and most appropriate land use for the Subject Site. Planning Residential and non-residential development in for and protecting for a new large-scale, contiguous this location is not required from a growth planning park in this location will address the need for a perspective to meet the Growth Plan population large Downtown park. and employment forecasts for the City of Toronto, Developing a large-scale park in this location is the targets for urban growth centres, and the targets appropriate, reflects good planning and is in the for major transit station areas. The City is already public interest. The Subject Site is an excellent achieving and exceeding the population forecasts location for a regionally significant park. The proposed for the City of Toronto, as per Growth Plan, and park use optimizes the unique attributes of the is expected to significantly exceed the targets for Subject Site within the regional and city-wide context. Downtown and the Central Waterfront Area by 2031. The Subject Site is centrally located in Downtown, The existing population and employment density directly accessible by existing and planned regional within 500 metres of the Spadina-Front RER Station, and municipal transit, adjacent to other parks and already significantly exceeds the Growth Plan targets open spaces, major tourist destinations, densely for major transit station areas. populated mixed-use neighbourhoods, and office As the current development pipeline demonstrates, and cultural districts. There are no other sites that can there are and will continue to be opportunities for accommodate a large park in Downtown that provide residential and non-residential development in the the same scale, proximity advantages or city-building Downtown Study Area for the foreseeable future. opportunities. However, residential and non-residential development over all or on part of the Subject Site would eliminate the opportunity to create a new park of this scale in Downtown Toronto. For this reason, the Planning Study concludes that the Subject Site should not be developed with residential or non-residential uses.

10 RAIL CORRIDOR - PLANNING STUDY Achieving Complete Economic Development, Tourism and Communities in Downtown Global Competitiveness The proposed park use fully supports provincial The proposed park will advance regional economic and municipal policy objectives to achieve competitiveness and economic development, and complete communities in Downtown, within the contribute to Toronto’s quality of life. It will connect context of high growth. major tourist attractions within the Downtown and adjacent areas to create a distinctly Toronto offer. Provincial policy directs municipalities to plan and manage growth to achieve complete communities. The Growth Plan articulates a vision for the Greater The proposed OPA will contribute to the achievement Golden Horseshoe’s regional economy to mature of a complete community and enhance the liveability into an economic powerhouse of global significance, of the Downtown environment, by providing a large and recognizes Toronto as the heart of a thriving contiguous space for recreational amenities, and civic metropolis - a celebrated centre of commerce, culture, and community programming. and innovation. The Official Plan provides further direction to enhance economic competitiveness and The proposed park use will advance the vision for growth, and draws a link between land use planning Toronto and the growth and reurbanization objectives and economic development. in the Official Plan, and the proposed vision, goals and policy directions in the Proposed Downtown The Subject Site is in close proximity to the Financial Plan. Downtown is anticipated to continue to evolve District and major tourism attractions and economic as a healthy and attractive place to live and work. development amenities, including the Air Canada The Official Plan recognizes that investment in the Centre, Metro Convention Centre, Rogers Stadium, Downtown environment will be required to maintain the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, amenities along and improve the public realm, maintain and upgrade the Central Waterfront, Fort York and Ontario Place, public amenities and infrastructure, enhance existing and Exhibition Place. It is also well connected to parks, and acquire new parkland. The Official Plan international, national and regional gateways into provides direction for adding new parks and amenities Toronto. It is within walking distance of Billy Bishop in growth areas, making investment in infrastructure Airport and Union Station which also provides direct and services to maintain and improve the quality connection to Pearson International Airport via the of life in the city, and investing in growth related Union-Pearson Express. infrastructure. Signature parks, like New York’s High Line and Chicago’s Millennium Park are major tourist attractions, and generate spin-off activity for nearby cultural and tourist destinations. In Toronto, the Subject Site is adjacent to major entertainment and tourist attractions that generate millions of visitors annually. The proposed park will improve connections to surrounding communities, employment districts and adjacent attractions and institutions. A signature park in this location has the capability of providing beneficial symbiotic effects, elevating economic activity in the area and through the city. The proposed park use optimizes the Subject Site’s locational attributes, and will contribute to the region’s economic development, global competitiveness and tourist offering.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 11 Transportation and Connectivity and Integration Transit-oriented Development The proposed park will significantly enhance The proposed OPA and the proposed park connectivity between the central city and the use advances provincial and municipal policy waterfront, minimize the barrier impacts of the objectives regarding the integration of land use railway, and fully integrate the Railway Lands and transportation, and multi-modal transportation within Downtown. connectivity. Connecting the Downtown with the Central The Subject Site benefits from excellent transit Waterfront and adjacent areas is a long-standing accessibility. It is the location of the planned Spadina- planning objective in the City of Toronto. The Front Regional Express Rail (RER) station, which will Official Plan, the Railway Lands Secondary Plan and provide frequent regional transit service. The Subject Secondary Plans for adjacent areas aim to enhance Site is also serviced by the 510 Spadina Streetcar and visual and physical connections across the rail corridor, the 511 Bathurst Streetcar, and in close proximity to and minimize the barrier impacts of the corridor. Union Station and the St. Andrew TTC subway station. The proposed park use advances the Official Plan The planned Spadina-Front RER station is supported and Secondary Plan policies to improve connections by a high-density cluster of residents and jobs, between parks and open spaces, and enhance visual and is located next to major sporting, cultural, and physical connections between the central city, recreational and tourist destinations. The Subject Site Railway Lands and the Central Waterfront. is not required for residential and/or non-residential The creation of a large-scale public park will uses to accommodate additional residential and significantly enhance pedestrian and cycling employment density to support transit investment. connections over and across the rail corridor, Creating a new large park in this location is a transit- and promote active transportation as a viable supportive development pattern, and will optimize transportation mode. The park use will create an provincial investment in transit. Protecting for public urban environment that encourages and supports uses over the rail corridor will allow for the integration pedestrian and cycling movement through Toronto, of regional and local transit service and park and open with regional transit connections. space uses, and enhance multimodal transportation connectivity with new cycling and pedestrian connections to the RER station. A large-scale park will become a major attraction and destination in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, driving demand for increased transit use.

12 RAIL CORRIDOR - PLANNING STUDY Heritage and Views Environment The proposed OPA provides policy direction to The proposed OPA provides policy direction ensure the proposed park use acknowledges to ensure that the park use contributes to and conserves the history of the Railway Lands, environmental sustainability, and incorporates and maintains and enhances view corridors. innovative solutions with regards to stormwater management and the environment. The Subject Site is adjacent to multiple heritage resources and heritage conservation districts Decking over the Subject Site and the creation of a (HCD) including the Fort York HCD and National large-scale park in this location offers the potential Heritage Site, Draper Street HCD, and the to address provincial and municipal policy directions King-Spadina HCD. The proposed OPA includes with regards to the environment, sustainability and policies to ensure that the development of the resiliency. proposed park supports heritage resources within and around the Railway Lands. The proposed The environmental requirements, set out in Section park use provides opportunities for interpretation 9.1 of the Railway Lands West and Central Secondary of the historic Lake Ontario shoreline through Plans have been retained and updated in the landscaping, public realm and public art proposed OPA. The proposed park will be planned, elements. designed and developed to address environmental considerations related to noise, vibration, air quality The City of Toronto Official Plan identifies views and stormwater management. from the public realm that are part of the form and image of the city. This includes the view The PPS and the Growth Plan provide policy from the Fort York grounds of buildings including direction related to energy conservation, air quality, the CN Tower which compose the Downtown/ climate change, water conservation, and low-impact Financial District skyline. A park use over the development. A large-scale signature park in Subject Site will maintain this view. this location offers potential to incorporate green infrastructure, and incorporate innovative approaches A park use over the Subject Site will create a new to stormwater management, and waste production. public gathering space for residents, workers and visitors in the Downtown to enjoy a direct view of the CN Tower and Financial District. This will become one of the most iconic signature views of the CN Tower and the Financial District in Toronto. The proposed OPA also identifies a series of view corridors, which will be maintained and enhanced through the design of the park.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 13 Railway Uses, Operations and Safety The proposed OPA protects for the continued and expanded use of the Subject Site as a utility corridor. Decking and development of a park will be compatible with, and supportive of the long- term function of the corridor. The PPS, the Growth Plan and the City of Toronto Official Plan all contain policies to ensure that development in and adjacent to existing and planned transportation corridors will be compatible with, and supportive of the long-term purposes of the corridor, and should avoid, mitigate or minimize negative impacts on and around the corridor. The existing Railway Lands West and Central Secondary Plans provide further policy direction with regards to the rail corridor within the Railway Lands and technical considerations related to decking and overbuilding. Any decking and development over the Subject Site must be compatible with continued and expanded rail operations in the rail corridor. An engineering feasibility study has been prepared as a part of the Implementation Strategy for the proposed park. The study examines technical issues related to decking over the rail corridor to support a park use at a conceptual level. The study describes design and construction issues related to future track works, signalizing system upgrades, switch machine replacement, electrical enabling works and track clearances. The proposed OPA requires a number of technical and environmental studies to implement the proposed park related to the decking structure, civil and structural works, rail safety and operations, noise, municipal infrastructure and servicing, environmental, safety and mitigation requirements. These will be addressed as part of more detailed design work for the decking structure and park.

14 RAIL CORRIDOR - PLANNING STUDY Conclusion

The proposed OPA has regard for the Planning Act The proposed Parks land use designation reflects the and matters of provincial interest, is consistent with best and most appropriate use for the Subject Site. the PPS, conforms to the Growth Plan, and conforms Decking and development of a park over the Subject to the vision and advances and implements the goals Site will be compatible with, and supportive of the of the City of Toronto Official Plan. It also advances long-term purposes of the rail corridor. the goals of the provincial Regional Transportation Plan. It aligns with and advances with the emerging The findings of the Planning Study conclude that directions for Downtown, as articulated in the a park use over the rail corridor is in the public Proposed Downtown Plan. interest and represents good planning. The proposed park use and implementation of the Provincial and municipal policy emphasize the proposed OPA will contribute to the achievement of importance of healthy, liveable and safe communities, complete communities, multimodal transportation achieving complete communities, and planning for connectivity, and economic development, tourism and and providing a full range and equitable distribution competitiveness within a high growth area. of parks, open spaces and recreation facilities. The Official Plan specifically supports the expansion of the parks and open space system, investment in the public realm and Downtown environment, and the acquisition of lands for parkland. It also provides direction for investment in infrastructure and services to maintain and improve the quality of life in Toronto, and the need to invest in growth related infrastructure, through a variety of implementation plans. The Downtown is recognized as a vital component of Toronto, the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the Province’s economic competitiveness, and investment in the Downtown environment is required to enhance the Toronto region’s position within the global economy. The proposed OPA fully conforms to and advances the Major Objectives for the Railway Lands, as per the Railway Lands West and Central Secondary Plans. The creation of a public park in this location will minimize the barrier effect of the rail corridor, and reunite the central city with the waterfront. The proposed land use optimizes the Subject Site’s size and central location to address the need for a large Downtown park.

Image: cover image courtesy of Public Work.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 15 16 RAIL CORRIDOR - PLANNING STUDY